founding father
Someone who was instrumental in the beginning or creation of something. Capitalized when used to refer to a member of the US Constitutional Convention. As the founding fathers of this club, we really want to see it thrive after we graduate. Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson were among the nation's Founding Fathers.
founding father (of something)
A man who was instrumental in the creation or pioneering of something. Many consider Alexander Fleming to be the founding father of modern antibiotics. The day is a celebration of the founding fathers of the small country.
founding father
someone who establishes an institution. Founding Father is used in particular of an American statesman at the time of the Revolution, especially a member of the Federal Constitutional Convention of 1787 .